An Aussie dad has unleashed at his daughter’s school after he claims she was ‘forced to make a group apology’ to the Stolen Generations as part of activities leading up to National Sorry Day.
Chris Primod criticised the school on Saturday, claiming his seven-year-old daughter told him she and her classmates were required to make a group apology.
National Sorry Day is held in Australia on May 26.
It is a day to remember and acknowledge the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly the impact of government policies that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, known as the Stolen Generations.
‘I have no problem with any of my children learning about it [the Stolen Generations], that’s completely fine,’ he said in a video posted to social media.
‘What I won’t tolerate and what I won’t accept is any of my children being forced to apologise for something they had absolutely nothing to do with.’
He issued a direct message to the school, urging them to stop imposing ‘woke games’ on his children.
‘Our children are already being welcomed to the country they were born in, and now they’re being told they’re personally responsible for those horrific events.’
Mr Primod’s video kicked off a passionate debate with many Aussies divided on the issue (pictured: Indigenous flag)
Many Australians supported the father’s message, claiming that teachers were pushing an agenda.
‘This is appalling. What on earth is wrong with the education system. Australia has lost the plot,’ one wrote.
‘I told my kids they didn’t have to participate in Sorry Day at school if they didn’t want to. I explained why, and they chose not to participate,’ a second added.
‘That’s outrageous those poor kids probably don’t even understand why they’re apologising either they’re still so young. Australia has gone crazy,’ a third said.
A fourth added: ‘My daughter had to write any apology letter at six years old! She asked my after school what she had done wrong. Shame on teachers pushing their own agenda.’
However, others argued it is important to acknowledge and respect First Nations people.
‘Welcome and acknowledgement to county is something you and your kids should be proud to have that done,’ one said.
What Aussie kids are being taught
The NSW Department of Education provided resources to teachers about National Sorry Day, observed on May 26, and National Reconciliation Week, which began today.
It said National Sorry Day ‘is a time to remember the past policies of forced child removal and reflect on the sad and painful stories of the Stolen Generations’.
‘It is a time to recognise the resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the power of saying Sorry.
‘National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia,’ the department said.
Schools across NSW will participate in events and activities across the week, including reconciliation walks, smoking ceremonies, assemblies and morning teas with local Aboriginal Elders.
‘National Reconciliation Week is a time to learn, reflect and take action to create a more just and inclusive Australia,’ NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said.
‘Together, we acknowledge the unique histories, cultures and contributions of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’
THE STOLEN GENERATION
Thousands of children were forcibly removed by governments, churches and welfare bodies to be raised in institutions, fostered out or adopted by non-Indigenous families, nationally and internationally. They are known as the Stolen Generations.
The exact number of children who were removed may never be known but there are very few families who have been left unaffected — in some families children from three or more generations were taken. The removal of children broke important cultural, spiritual and family ties and has left a lasting and intergenerational impact on the lives and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Affecting anywhere from 1 in 10 to 1 in 3 children, there is not a single Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community who has not been forever changed.
The first Sorry Day was held on May 26, 1998, remembering and commemorating the mistreatment of the country’s Aboriginal people.
Pictured: A 1934 newspaper clipping advertising indigenous children for adoption